Optimisation of the Thermoelectric Figure of Merit of Modified Silicon Germanium Alloys.
Abstract
Alloys of silicon and geranium are established semiconductor materials for use in high temperature thermoelectric conversion systems. The conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric device depends, among other things, upon the material properties of the thermoelements through the so-called figure of merit Z = (alpha squared) sigma/lambda where alpha is the Seebeck coefficient, Sigma the electrical conductivity and Lambda the total thermal conductivity. It has been predicted and demonstrated experimentally that the lattice thermal conductivity Lambda sub L of semiconductor alloys can be substantially reduced through the use of very small grain size compacted material.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA191347
Entities
People
- D. M. Rowe
Organizations
- University of Wales